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In brief
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Duration: Deposit — 1 at 2 hours; decision — ~15 days (up to 45 in complex)
Cost: Fees ~80 € (adults), 40 € (6–12 years), free (under 6 years)
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you plan a short stay in France (tourism, visit, business)
  • You if you come for a brief treatment or a conference
  • You if you are a national of a Schengen country

To be prepared in advance

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  • Passport in progress (validity ≥ 3 months after Schengen exit)
  • Justification of the purpose of the stay (hotel reservation, tickets, invitation)
  • Health insurance of at least 30 000 € of cover, bank statements

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Determine the type of visa according to the subject: A (airport transit), C (short stay, up to 90 days). For tourism in France, almost always C. Depending on the entries: uniform (1 or multiple).
  2. 2Apply via France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr) — fill out the online form, choose the VLS consulate/prestataire (often TLScontact or VFS Global in your country).
  3. 3Collect the rooms: passport, photo, insurance 30 000 €, booking accommodation/tickets, proof of resources (~65 €/day without accommodation, or less with invitation), cover letter.
  4. 4Make an appointment at the VFS/TLS, drop off the parts and biometrics (prints — once every 59 months). Pay the visa fee (~80 € adults, 40 € 6–12 years, free under 6 years).
  5. 5Wait for the decision — usually 15 days, up to 45 in complex cases (rarely 60). Follow online.
  6. 6Visa in hand, check the dates and number of entries. Rule 90/180: you can stay up to 90 days over any 180-day period — count to not exceed.
  7. 7Extension in France: in exceptional cases (force majeure, humanitarian), possible in prefecture. For tourism, usually not.

Common mistakes

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  • Exceed Rule 90/180 — the following visas are cancelled, prohibited.
  • File incomplete file — refusal or delay.
  • Do not guarantee up to € 30 000 — compulsory condition.
  • Believing that visa C authorizes work. No — you need a long stay D + authorization.
  • Do not keep tickets and reservations — at border control, prove the stay.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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France-Visas (follow-up application)VLS-TS validation (long stay)

Important remark

The conditions of issue depend on your nationality and subject matter. This information is indicative — for your request, follow France-Visas and the Consulate.

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